How to Fix "DNS Server Not Responding" on Windows, Mac, and Phone

You cannot load any website but your WiFi says "Connected." Windows Network Diagnostics says "DNS server not responding" or "Your DNS server might be unavailable."

This means your computer cannot translate domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses. Without DNS, nothing loads even though your internet connection is technically working.

Quick Fix: Change Your DNS Server

The fastest fix — switch from your ISP's DNS to a public one:

Windows (2 minutes)

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Change adapter options
2. Right-click your WiFi or Ethernet → Properties
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties
4. Select "Use the following DNS server addresses"
5. Enter:

• Preferred: 1.1.1.1
• Alternate: 8.8.8.8

1. Click OK → OK

Mac

System Settings → Network → WiFi → Details → DNS → remove old entries → add 1.1.1.1 and 8.8.8.8

iPhone

Settings → WiFi → tap (i) next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual → add 1.1.1.1

Android

Settings → Network → Private DNS → set to one.one.one.one

Test if DNS is working with our DNS Toolbox — if it loads, your DNS is fixed.

Fix 2: Flush DNS Cache

Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns

Mac:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache && sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Chrome: Type chrome://net-internals/#dns → Click Clear host cache

Fix 3: Restart DNS Client Service (Windows)

net stop dnscache
net start dnscache

Or: Services app → find "DNS Client" → right-click → Restart

Fix 4: Restart Your Router

1. Unplug your router from power
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug back in
4. Wait 2 minutes for it to fully boot

This forces the router to get fresh DNS settings from your ISP.

Fix 5: Disable IPv6

IPv6 DNS issues can cause this error even when IPv4 works fine:

Windows: Network adapter Properties → uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" → OK

Mac:

sudo networksetup -setv6off Wi-Fi

To re-enable later: sudo networksetup -setv6automatic Wi-Fi

Fix 6: Reset Network Stack (Windows)

Open Command Prompt as admin and run all of these:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer.

Fix 7: Disable VPN/Proxy

VPNs and proxies intercept DNS queries. Disable them temporarily to see if they are the cause.

Fix 8: Update Network Driver (Windows)

Device Manager → Network adapters → right-click WiFi adapter → Update driver → Search automatically

Fix 9: Check if It's Your ISP

Try pinging an IP address directly (bypassing DNS):

ping 1.1.1.1

• Ping works but websites don't load → DNS problem (your ISP's DNS is down). Change DNS servers (Fix 1).
• Ping also fails → Internet connection problem, not DNS. Restart router, check cables, call ISP.

Fix 10: Safe Mode with Networking (Windows)

If nothing works, boot into Safe Mode with Networking to rule out software conflicts:

1. Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced Startup → Restart now
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart
3. Press F5 for "Safe Mode with Networking"
4. Try browsing — if it works, a startup program or driver is causing the issue

Best Public DNS Servers

Related Tools

• DNS Toolbox — test DNS resolution for any domain
• What's My IP — verify your connection is working
• Speed Test — test your internet speed after fixing
• VPN Leak Test — check if VPN is causing DNS issues
• How to Flush DNS Cache
• How to Change Your DNS Server
• Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
• DNS Explained